Scientists research the effects of air pollution on rainwater.
Researchers have been aware of the negative effects that pollutants can have on the human body for centuries, building some of humanity's first air purifiers in the 19th century. But a recent study conducted by Penn State's department of meteorology looked to discover more about what effects, if any, air pollution has on our water. This past August, researchers embarked upon a three-week expedition, funded by the National Science Foundation, out at sea where they caught and analyzed rainwater.
The impact of nitrogen received much focused attention during the study as it is a naturally-occurring element that is essential for the growth of all living organisms. Yet, excessive amounts of nitrogen can result in an overabundant growth of algae and plant life that leads to the reduction of oxygen levels when they die.
Though nitrogen enters the atmosphere through combustion from cars, trucks, biomass burning and agricultural activity, its effects on our water sources is still poorly understood. What is known is that with the usual west-to-east flow of meteorological systems, the nation's eastern seaboard receives heavy atmospheric properties.
"The atmospheric deposition of nitrogen to coastal waters is one of many ways in which humans influence the ocean. This study is important because it is the first to directly measure the impact of nitrogen deposition on the productivity of coastal waters," Raymond Najjar, professor of meteorology and a principal investigator on the project, tells Phys.org.
The scientists worked between the Delaware Bay and the coastal Carolinas, collecting air and water samples while following storms that would stimulate an accumulation of algal biomass in the ocean with the hope being that the datawill create numerical models that can more comprehensively understand the impact of nitrogen deposits.
Nitrogen is also an indoor pollutant that is produced through cigarettes or heating appliances that use gas. If you'd like to learn more about the different ways you can counter indoor pollution with a home air purifier or a desktop air purifier for the office, contact US Air Purifiers Direct 2U today!